Line-casting machine.



P. B. CONVERSE. LINE CASTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED APR.19, 1909.

942,848, Patehted Dec. 7, 1909. 2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

F. B. CONVERSE.

LINE CASTING MACHINE. APBLIUATION FILED APILIQ, 1909.

Patented Dec. 7, 1909.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

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FRANCIS B. CONVERSE, F BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

LINE-CASTING MACHIN E.

To all whom it may concern:

I ing machines of the class in which circulating matrices, after being assembled in lines and presented to a mold, are passed successively through a distributing mechanism by which the matrices are returned to the magazine channels from which they were de livered.

It has reference more specifically to a distributing mechanism such as shown in Let-* ters Patent No. t dt3,5 2, in which the matrices, toothed at the upper end, are lifted successively to and suspended by their teeth from a toothed distributer bar along which they are carried by the threads of adjacent screws, the arrangement being such that each matrix, on arriving at the proper point,

disengages from the bar and falls between the screws into the appropriate channel in the magazine. The matrices and the accompanying spacers or quads, having a similar form, and generally included under the genericname of matrices, vary greatly in thickness. As the machines are commonly constructed, a matrix is lifted into engagement with the feed screws at each revolution of the latter; in other words, there is a matrix between each turn of the thread and the next. \Vhenever it happens that thick matrices are delivered to the bar in adjacent positions, the space between them is small, and it will sometimes occur that a-released matrix on its way to the magazine below will be overtaken by the next matrix before it has fallen clear of the same. The result of this contiict between the matrices is an interference with the proper distribution, and injury to the matrices.

The object of my invention is to overcome this trouble by providing between each matrix and the one following on the distributor bar a space sufficient to insure the descent of the first matrix so far as to avoid conflict with the next as the latter in its horizontal course advancesthereover. To this end I combine with the ordinary devices for sustaining the matrix line, and for liftin the matrices successively from the end 0 the Specification of Letters Patent.'

Application filed April 19, 1909.

Patented Dec. '7, .1909.

Serial No. 490,723

line to the screws of the distributer, meanscontrolled by the thickness of the matrices in such manner that thin matrices will be delivered by 'each action of the lifting de-v vices to the feed screws, so that each turn of the threads will receive a matrix, while on the other hand the thick matrices will be lifted 0111 by every second alternate action of the lifting devices, so that they are received only between the alternate turns of the screw thread. In this manner the thin matrices are fed along the distributer bar at short intervals, while the thick matrices are carried at longer intervals. 7

I believe myself to be the first to provide any mechanism controlled by the thickness of the matrices in such manner that thin matrices are carried to the distributer at shorter, or more frequent intervals than the thick matrices.

The invention is susceptible of embodiment' in various modified or alternative forms, all based on the same principle of action. Two of these forms are shown inthe accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal, vertical section through a matrix lift such as used in commercial Mergenthaler machines for delivering the matrices to the distributer, with my improvement applied thereto; the lift being shown in its lowest .position, andin engagement with a matrix preparatory to lifting it. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section on the line 2-21 Fig. 3 is an elevation showing the lifting finger and adjacent parts, the finger being intho act of lifting a thick matrix. Fig. at is a. longitudinal, vertical section of a box provided with my attachments in a modified form. Fig. 5 is an end, view of the same. Fig. 6 is a section similar to Fig. 4, with. the parts at a different stage of their action. Fig. 7 is a horizontal section on the line 7-7 of the preceding figures.

Fig. 8 is a face view of one of the matrices.

Referring to Figs. 13, inclusive, A represents the distributer lift box, so-called, into which the composed line of matrices is delivered endwise horizontally, preparatory to the matrices being lifted one at a time from the end of the line to the distributing devices, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The box-like structure has two vertical side walls, each provided on the inner side with horizontal rails, a and b, to

sustain the matrices, B. These matrices are a I feed screws 1).

made of-the usual form represented in Fi 8, with ears projectil'ig edgewise from the upper and lower ends. The upper ears ride on the upper edges of the sustaining rails a, while the lower ears ride above the bottom rails 1). Near their ,forward ends the upper rails a are provided with vertical stop shoulders, a, and the lower rails are rovided with corresponding shoulder-ab. As the line s urged forward horizcmthlly by the usuz pressure devices, tlTe foremost matrix encounters the shoulders a and b, thereby arresting the advance of the entire line. J

C represents the horizontal distributer bar, fixed in position and provided with horizontal teeth along its lower edge.

I)--D are horizontal feed screws lying adjacent to the distril'mter bar, on opposite sides, for the purpose of engaging the matrices as they are successively lifted, and carrying them horizontally along the bar, from which they are suspended by the 'engagen'ient of their respective teeth.

E represents a' vertically movable lifting finger, attached to the end of a vibrating lever, .F, and shouldered atthe upper end in such manner as to bear beneath and against the front side of the foren'iost matrix, the lever being operated, and the linger being lifted once for each rotation of the .is the linger rises, it lifts the matrix clear of the detaining shoulders (o and b and into engagement with the feed screws, by which the matrix is moved horizontally into engagement with the distributer barthe forward ends of the rails a being inclined upward beyond the detaining shoulder, to assist in sustaining the matrices during such engagement, as heretofore.

So far as described, the parts are constructed and arranged to operate in the ordinary manner, and if no further provision were made, the linger l l would at each upward movement deliver a matrix, regardless of its thickness, between the feed screws, so that there would be a matrix between each turn of the threads and the next. In order to present the matrices only to the second or alternate turns of the screw threads when thick matrices are presented, I provide the following :ulditional fcatures.'l o the forward side of the lifting linger E I secure a finger c, extended forward and turned downward at its end. To the .distrlbuter box, or the frame, or other stationary part of the machine, I secure a stationary lip on plate, 6 As each matrlx 1s lifted clear of the detaining shoulders at and 71 it is suddenly pushed forward by the line following behind it, and in so doing it pushes forward the lifting finger E to an inclined position, as shown in Fig. 3, against. the opposition of spring 0 If the matrix lifted be a thick one, the finger will be inclined so fat-that when it descends, and before it dise'ngages from the matrix, the tip a" will engage over the plate cfithus holding the finger in its inclined position, and so thatit cannot engage beneath the next matrix in the line. It follows, therefore, that the next upward stroke of the linger will be an idle one, and

that it will fail to lift a matrix. During this second upward movement, however, the 11p will be lifted clear of the detaining plate 0, and the linger will spring back against the second matrix forming the front end of the line, and on completing its descent will engage thereunder, so that. at the third elevation of the finger it will againv lift. a matrix to the feed screws. As the screws have in the meantime made two revolutimis, it follows that the second matrix will be receired between the third and fourth turns of the screw, aml consequently delivered to the distributor bar at a substantial distance from the preceding matrix. The foregoing operations will. be repeated Whenever thick mat.- rice's are presented to the lifting finger. lVhene ver thin matrices are presented, that is to say, matrices of a thickness iiisuflicient to carry the lip c beyond the detaining plate the finger will lift a matrix at each and every stroke. 'lhus,'it will be seen, the matrices are presented to the distributor bar at longer orshorter intervals, accord ing to their thickness; the thickness of the matrices acting directly to control the frequency with which they are delivered to the distributor; or, in other words, the intervals between them on-the listributer' bar. in practice it is found that this mechanism insures between the matrices on thedistributcr, "whether thick or thin, st h a space that the foremost matrix will have time to fall into the magazine entrance and below the lower end of the next matrix, before the latter advances far enough to contact with the first one.

I will now describe the alternative or equivalei'it construction represented in Figs. 4.? of the drawings. ln this mechanism, as in the first, the thickness of the matrices controls the action of the lifting device, and determines the frequency withwhich matrices are delivered to the screws. In these figures, A. represents the distributing box; a and 7) the matrix supporting rails; E the matrix'lifting finger; all constructed and arranged as -in the first described mechanism. To the inner walls of the box are secured horizontal plates, IL, 71,, in positionto override the lower ears of the forward anatrices, except the one at the front, and

prevent themfrom rising prematurely. Gr rejn'esents a horizontal feerer arm, located beneath the path of the matrices, and having at the forward enda transverse lip, which rides against the lower ends of the advancing matrices. This feeler arm is slot- .lOt)

Ii. LO

ted horizontally at the rear end and mounted on a pivot, so that it may receive a slight longitudinal movement and also a limited vertical movement at the forwardend. From the rear end of the feeler a spiral spring, 9 is. extended downward to a stud on the frame. This spring urges the finger backward, and also exerts a lifting effect on the forward end. Normally, the lip stands at a short distance from the lifting.- finger, E, and lies beneath and against the lower end of the foremost matrix, if it be a thick one. When a thick matrix is lifted by the finger E, as shown in Fig. 6, the lip g rises in advance of the next matrix in the-line, whereby the matrix is prevented for the time being from advancing to the position vacated by the preceding matrix. The forward. end of the feeler is provided with a projecting pin, g, and the lifting finger E is provided with a hole, 9 to receive said pin. After lifting the thick matrix, the finger descends, and while descending continues to bear upon the lifted matrix until the hole g* has passed below the pin g As the lip g continues to hold the second matrix from advancing, it follows that the next upward movement of the finger It is an idle one; but as the finger descends, the pin enters the hole and the continued downward movement of the finger depresses the feeler G and disengages the lip g from the matrix, thereby permitting the line to advance, so that the foremost matrix is in position to be engaged by the finger E as the latter rises for the third time. If the matrix lifted at the front of the line is a thin one, the lip g will continue to bear beneath the second matrix, leaving the latter free to advance, so that it will be lifted by the next or second stroke of the finger I From the foregoing it will be understood that a thin matrix will be lifted at each stroke of the finger without being affected by the feeler G, while on the other hand each thick matrix lifted from the line will permit the lip of the feeler to pass into action in order to cause an idle movement of the lifting linger before the next matrix is raised.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a. mechanism of the class described,

the combination of a matrixv lifting finger, and means to hold the same momentarily out of engagement with a second matrix.

2. In a machine of the class described, matrices ofv different thicknesses, in combination with a lifting finger adapted to yield before the matrix, and means for momenta rily rendering the finger inoperative when the matrices exceed a certain thickness.

3. In a machine of the class described, matrices of different thicknesses, a matrix lifting finger and meanscon'trolling its action; said means controlled in turn by matrices of one thicknesg'but not by those of another thickness.

4. In combination with the lifting finger, arranged to yield before the matrix being lifted, means to keep the finger momentarily out of action when it yields beyond a certain point; whereby an idle stroke of the finger is secured after lifting each thick matrix.

5. In a mechanism of the class described, means for sustaining a. line of matrices, a device for lifting individual matrices from the line, .said device arranged to yield before the advancing line, and a spring to resist said advance; in combination-with interlocking members to retain the device mon'1entarily when advanced beyond a given position; whereby the device is rendered temporarily inactive 'after lifting a thick matrix.

(3. In a distributing mechanism, a distributer bar, feed screws, and means for presenting individual matrices thereto, in com.- bination with'means for causing the presen; tation at longer or shorter intervals; said means controlled in its action by the thickness of the matrices, substantially as described.

7. A matrix lifting mechanism, including a lifting finger and meansfor controlling its action; said means being in turn controlled in its action by the thickness of the in ual matrices.

In testimony whereof I hereunto my hand this sixth day of April, 1969, in the presence of two attesting witnesses.

FRANCIS B. CONVERSE.

Witnesses DAVID S. KENNEDY, JOHN R. RoenN.. 

